Police Beat

A man is in police custody facing numerous charges after a stabbing at a Dawes Road apartment.

Shortly before midnight on Jan. 20, police responded to a stabbing call, and found a 40-year-old man suffering from obvious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Andrew Peter Jackson, 39, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, weapons dangerous to public peace and carrying a concealed weapon. He made his first court appearance on Jan. 21.

Anyone with any information should call 54 Division police at 416-808-5400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at 222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or leave a tip on Facebook.

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A young man was swarmed and attacked in a Crescent Town apartment building on Jan. 26. At about 6 p.m., the 17-year-old victim was in a stairwell when six males, armed with knives and a hatchet, approached and demanded property.

When the victim refused, the suspects punched the victim, knocking him to the ground. They then hit him on the arm with the weapons. The victim escaped, and was taken to hospital for minor injuries, while the suspects fled the scene empty-handed.

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A teen was mugged at gunpoint near Main Street and Gerrard Street East on Jan. 19. Just after midnight, the 14-year-old male victim was approached by two males, one of whom demanded his property while the other pulled a handgun. The suspects took a cell phone and fled the scene. The victim was not hurt during the robbery.

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Thomas Newell is the latest star of 55 Division’s ‘Wanted Wednesday’.

On Dec. 22, 2013, the suspect allegedly became involved in an argument that ended with him attempting to choke a victim after assaulting them. He fled the scene before police arrived.

Thomas Newell, 27, is wanted on a charge of assault. He is described as a white male with a ruddy complexion, 5’9”, about 190 lbs, with short brown hair, blue eyes and a tattoo on the right side of his neck.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5500, or use the Crime Stoppers contacts above.

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Detective Constable Andrew Violot of 55 Division’s fraud office is spreading the word about some scams making the rounds lately, to help unsuspecting East End residents keep from parting with their hard-earned money.

Here are some of the most common recent frauds:

Advance fee loans, advertised in newspapers, magazines and online classified sites, guarantee loans even for those with bad credit or no job. Upfront fees can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, none of which will likely ever be seen again.

Some scammers are imitating grandchildren, and will call seniors claiming to be in trouble with the law or in an accident. Once the victim sends a money transfer to the imposter, the cash is gone.

Fake sweepstakes and lotteries are also common. A phone call or email will inform the victim they’ve won, then a fake lawyer will request money for the taxes necessary to claim the prize, which, of course, is never sent.

Cheque overpayments still claim many victims, usually those selling something online. The scam artist will send a cheque for more than the selling price, and ask the victim to wire the difference back, sometimes for shipping and administration fees. The cheque then turns out to be fraudulent.

Some general tips to avoid being scammed:

• Never send money via wire or e-transfer unless you are absolutely sure who is receiving it (family member or close friend)

• Know who you are dealing with – always confirm identities

• Never accept a cheque for more than the selling price

• Never wire money back to a buyer

• Resist pressure from those pushing you to “act now”

If something doesn’t feel right and you think something might be too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t hesitate to call a family member or friend before acting, or check in with 55 Division’s fraud office at 416-808-5507.

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